Point-of-care medication dispensing

ABSTRACT

A medication dispenser is provided, comprising a securable container configured to store one or more doses of one or more medications and an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses of the one or more medications. The medication dispenser further comprises an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user and a processor. The processor is configured to perform the steps of comparing the user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose. A method for dispensing medication is also provided. The method comprises the steps of locating a medication dispenser at a point-of-care, acquiring user input from a user at the point-of-care, comparing the user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to medicationdispensing and, in particular, relate to point-of-care medicationdispensing.

BACKGROUND

Many medications are administered to patients in a hospital setting onan as-needed basis. One such medication, for example, is a patientcontrolled analgesia (PCA). For this and many other medications, when apatient has a particular symptom, the patient must call for assistancefrom a nurse and describe the symptom to the nurse. The nurse must theninterpret the description provided by the patient, and select anappropriate medication for that symptom and that patient. In certaininstances, the nurse will need to consult with a doctor. The nurse mustthen retrieve the medication, usually from a remote location such as anurses' station, and return to the patient's room to administer themedication. In such a procedure, there are a number of steps in whichthe potential for error is high, such as, for example, the nursemisinterpreting the symptom, or selecting the wrong medication or dosagefor treatment of the symptom. Moreover, this process introducessignificant delay in the treatment of a patient, frequently prolongingthe patient's discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address the foregoing problems byproviding a medication dispenser at a point of care with which a patientor other authorized user can interact to specify symptoms and from whichare dispensed appropriate doses of appropriate medications.

Certain embodiments provide a medication dispenser that comprises asecurable container configured to store one or more doses of one or moremedications and an access device configured to selectably permit accessto the one or more doses of the one or more medications. The medicationdispenser further comprises an electronic interface configured toacquire user input from a user and a processor. The processor isconfigured to perform the steps of comparing the user input to adatabase, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dosefrom the one or more doses, and permitting access through the accessdevice to the appropriate dose.

Certain embodiments provide a method for dispensing medication thatcomprises the step of locating a medication dispenser at apoint-of-care. The medication dispenser comprises a securable containerconfigured to store one or more doses of one or more medications and anaccess device configured to selectably permit access to the one or moredoses of the one or more medications. The medication dispenser furthercomprises an electronic interface configured to acquire user input froma user. The method further comprises the steps of acquiring user inputfrom the user at the point-of-care and comparing the user input to adatabase. The method further comprises the steps of selecting,responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or moredoses, and permitting access through the access device to theappropriate dose.

Certain embodiments provide a point-of-care medication dispenser thatcomprises securable means for storing one or more doses of one or moremedications, means for selectably permitting access to the one or moredoses of the one or more medications, and electronic interface means foracquiring user input from a user. The point-of-care medication dispenserfurther comprises processing means for performing the steps of comparingthe user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, anappropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access tothe appropriate dose through the means for selectably permitting accessto the appropriate dose.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the inventionand the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory andare intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a point-of-care medication dispenser in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic interface of amedication dispenser in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an input device for a point-of-care medicationdispenser in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for dispensing medicationin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. Itwill be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that theembodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some ofthese specific details. In other instances, well-known structures andtechniques have not been shown in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a point-of-care (POC)medication dispenser 100 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Medication dispenser 100 is located at a point ofcare to allow a patient or other authorized user to quickly andefficiently procure medications based upon user input regarding, forexample, the symptoms experienced by a patient. The medication dispenser100 allows patients and other authorized users, such as caregivers, toaccess medications securely stored in the medication dispenser 100 basedupon user input regarding symptoms, and upon a database of patientinformation including, for example, a list of pre-approved medicationsand doses, When a patient is experiencing symptoms, the patient caninput information regarding those symptoms into the electronic interface110. Based upon this input, a processor 140 within medication dispenser100 selects an appropriate dose of an appropriate medicine stored withinthe securable cabinet 120 and permits access to the dose through anaccess device 130.

By way of example, a patient in a hospital room may experience aheadache and require a simple analgesic. Without medication dispenser100, the patient would likely have to activate a nurse call button, waitfor a nurse to respond, describe his symptoms to the nurse, and wait forthe nurse to determine the correct medication and dosage, retrieve saidmedication and return to the patient's room to administer it. Moreover,an overworked nurse might neglect to check the patient's file anddiscover, for example, his allergy to ibuprofen, a potentiallylife-threatening mistake. With medication dispenser 100, the patientcan, without having to wait for a nurse, provide information regardinghis symptoms to the medication dispenser 100, such as by selecting anentry corresponding to “headache” from a touch screen interface. Inresponse to this input, the medication dispenser 100 compares thedescribed symptom to a database correlating symptoms to appropriatemedications and cross-referencing information about the patient (e.g.,his allergy to ibuprofen, his mass, etc.). Based upon this comparison,the medication dispenser 100 selects an appropriate dose of anappropriate medication (e.g., 200 mg of acetaminophen). This medication,which is stored within secured cabinet 120 in medication dispenser 100(e.g., in 50 mg dose increments), is then made available to the patientthrough access device 130. A record of the transaction, including, forexample, the user input entered, the medication dispensed, the time ofthe transaction, etc., is created by medication dispenser 100, andeither stored locally or provided to a remote location for review by ahealth provider.

Alternatively, if the symptoms described by a patient necessitate humanintervention (e.g., as when the medication requires administration by aprofessional), in response to the user input, medication dispenser 100alerts a nurse or other caregiver at a remote location to come to thepatient's room. In a scenario in which the medication requiresprofessional administration (e.g., an injection, enema, etc.), thecaregiver would authenticate himself to the medication dispenser 100with electronic interface 110 and would retrieve the appropriate dose ofmedication from secured cabinet 120 through access device 130.Similarly, should medication dispenser 100 be unable to determine anappropriate dose of an appropriate medication based upon user input,medication dispenser 100 could alert a caregiver to come to the point ofcare and select an appropriate medicine from the secured cabinet 120,while retaining a record of the medication dispensed.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, medication dispenser100 may be configured to require authorization before dispensingmedication. For example, while some patients may be capable of limitedself-diagnosis and administering some of their own medications, such asanalgesia, other patients may not be so capable. Accordingly, anauthorized user (e.g., a hospital administrator, a doctor, a nurse,etc.) may configure medication dispenser 100 to require authorizationbefore dispensing a selected medication. In such an instance, a patientwill still provide information regarding his symptoms to the medicationdispenser 100, in response to which the medication dispenser 100 willcompare the described symptom to the and select an appropriate dose ofan appropriate medication. Prior to dispensing the selected medication,medication dispenser will generate an alert, which is communicatedeither locally (e.g., via display, or an audible alarm, or any othernotification method) or over a network to an authorized user. Theauthorized user, such as, for example, a nurse, will then review theselected medication and the patient-described symptoms to ensure thatthe selected medication is, indeed, appropriate. One the authorized userhas provided his or her authorization (either locally, through an inputdevice, or remotely, over a network), the medication dispenser 100 thendispenses the approved medication through access device 130 to acaregiver who then administers the medication.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the present invention, amedication dispenser at a point of care provides a number of advantages.For example, dispensing medication at a point of care reduces the time apatient must wait, often in serious discomfort, to obtain a needed doseof medication. Moreover, dispensing medication from a medicationdispenser which contains pre-approved doses of pre-approved medicationsfor a particular patient reduces the risk of administering aninappropriate medication to the patient, either due to inappropriatemedication selection or accidental misidentification of an appropriatelyselected medication.

In the present exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, access device 130 isillustrated as a tray in a drawer within cabinet 120. In certainembodiments, the configuration of access device 130 can be similar tothe drawer configuration found in the presently commercially availableproduct known as a MedStation automated medication management systemfrom Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio. A MedStation system can beconfigured with different kinds of drawers that include drawers withCUBIE receptacles, matrix drawers of different heights, andMiniDrawers™. CUBIE, Matrix and Double Deep Matrix are terms understoodby those skilled in the art. CUBIE receptacles, drawers, and relateddispensing machines are fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,116,461 and6,338,007, which are incorporated herein by reference. There can also bepatient-specific CUBIE receptacles that contain multiple medications andsupplies for a single patient.

In certain other embodiments, access device 130 can be much simplified,and may include only a single drawer, for example, and only a touchscreen interface. The access device 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1 istherefore only one example of the many access devices that may beincluded in a medication dispenser in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a medication dispensermay contain multiple access devices or a single access device forpermitting access to any of the medications stored within a securedcabinet. In certain embodiments of the present invention, an accessdevice may not be a drawer. For example, in a manner similar to thatemployed by vending machines, a medication dispenser may contain rows ofmedication doses stored horizontally above an access tray, such that themedication dispenser can actuate a mechanism to push appropriate dosesof medication over the access tray whereupon gravity will bring thedoses within reach of the patient or caregiver. The foregoingembodiments are merely exemplary of the many access devices suitable foruse in a medication dispenser configured in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. Rather, the present invention has applicationto medication dispensers with any manner of access device, includingdoors, drawers, trays, cups, plungers, helices, etc., any of which maytranslate, rotate, open, actuate, etc.

The terms “point of care” and “point-of-care,” as used herein, are usedto refer to a placement of a medication dispenser in close proximity toa patient or patients. For example, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention, a point of care may be a room, such as ahospital room, a bedroom in a home in which a patient is treated, anemergency room servicing multiple patients, and the like.

According to one aspect of the present invention, POC medicationdispenser 100 is portable. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1,medication dispenser 100 is provided with ground-engaging wheels 125 (anembodiment with four wheels is shown), and a handle for use intransporting medication dispenser 100. In certain embodiments, othermethods of movement may be used. In certain embodiments, depending onthe location and type of electronic interface 110, the cabinet 120 canalso have a top work surface which can vary in size and shape dependingon the type of electronic interface 110 used.

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, theelectronic interface 110 can be located on the cabinet 120 removably orpermanently. In certain embodiments, portions of the electronicinterface 110 can be attached to the cabinet 120 via an arm, such as anarticulated arm, to ease user interface with the input device 114.

In certain embodiments, the medication dispenser 100 can include anillumination light for illuminating the drawers. In this way, an openeddrawer's contents are illuminated obliquely. This illumination light maybe positioned in the cabinet handle or attached to the underside of thehandle. The illumination light is turned on when a drawer is opened. Thedrawers may also incorporate translucent bins and gentle illuminationfrom below to silhouette the drawer contents.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cabinet issecured such as, for example, by an electronic solenoid. In the eventthat there is a loss of power to medication dispenser 100, and/or someelectrical computer malfunction prevents normal access to the accessdevices 130, the cabinet 120 can be equipped with a manual releasemechanism for use in unlocking the drawers. In certain embodiments,various other means for securing cabinet 120 may be used, such as, forexample, mechanically actuated pins, arms, flanges and the like,electromagnets, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic interface 110 of medicationdispenser 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The electronic interface 110 comprises a computing device116, a display device 112 and an input device 114.

In accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the display device 112 is a flat panel display. In certainembodiments, the display device 112 may alternately be a cathode raytube (CRT) display, vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), light emittingdiode (LED) display, plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display(LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), or surface-conductionelectron-emitter display (SED).

In certain embodiments, input device 114 is a touch-screen input withsimplified icons suitable for use by a patient. For example, asimplified touch screen input device 114 is illustrated in FIG. 3, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, A variety ofpictographic icons (301-305) illustrate various ailments in a mannereasily understood by patients. For example, a patient experiencing aheadache could click on pictographic icon 301, indicating the need for asimple analgesia, while a patient experiencing aggravated allergiescould click on pictographic icon 302, indicating the need for anantihistamine. Pictographic icons 303 and 304 might be selected by apatient experiencing heart pain or respiratory problems, respectively.In the event the patient needed assistance from a caregiver,pictographic icon 305 could be selected to alert a nurse to come andselect an appropriate medication from the medication dispenser, using analternative input method (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, etc.). Such simplepictographic icons allow a patient with difficulty reading text, suchas, for example, a patient with poor eyesight, or one lacking literacyin the language in which the medication dispenser is configured tooperate, to interact effectively with the medication dispenser. Incertain embodiments, medication dispenser 100 may be configured tointeract with users in more than one language, to effectively servepatients and caregivers who speak and/or read different languages.

In certain embodiments, input device 114 may be a keyboard. In certainother embodiments, the input device 114 can be a keypad integral withthe cabinet, a mouse, or a microphone. For example, in embodimentswithout a physical keyboard, the input device 114 can be a virtualkeyboard. The virtual keyboard automatically appears on the displaydevice 112 when the system detects a type-in field. The virtual keyboardis a feature that hospital staffs appreciate even more than the physicalkeyboards because it minimizes the number of objects in the room andalso decreases the risk of infection and contamination. In still otherembodiments of the present invention, an input device may include anycombination of eye movement tracking devices, motion sensing devices,buttons, knobs, levers, switches, dials, handles, latches, triggers,cranks, wheels, joysticks, mice, track pads, trackballs, or any otherinput device capable of receiving user input.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the computingdevice 116 comprises a processor 140, memory 150, and a communicationsmodule 160. The processor 140, for example, a central processing unit(CPU), executes software from the computing device's memory 150. Thecommunications module 160 provides networking capability in order toconnect to a network 210 which is described in further detail below.Networking capability is achieved via a communication layer that enablesdata transmissions. In various embodiments of the present invention,networking can be achieved by the use or the installation of data cablesfrom the medication dispenser 100 to a central network device for thenetwork 210, such as a router or switch, or by using a wirelessconnection. An alternate technology uses existing phone cabling of thefacility to transport data, thus avoiding the cost and deadlinesassociated with the installation of new cabling.

Stored in the memory 150 is software 152 for dispensing medication, atransaction record 154, and a database 156. The memory 150 can includevolatile and/or non-volatile sections. The electronic interface 110 usessoftware 152 to control access to items stored in the cabinet 120.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, software 152includes code for interacting with a user of medication dispenser 100,such that the user can provide user input indicating his or her symptomsby, for example, selecting from a list of symptoms displayed on ascreen. Software 152 further includes code for comparing the user inputto database 156 to determine an appropriate dose of an appropriatemedication. For example, database 156 may include a list of pre-approveddoses of pre-approved medications for a given patient, with symptomscorresponding to each medication. Thus, software 152 compares thesymptoms input by the user to this and selects a match, if found. Inresponse to finding a match, software 152 then permits access throughthe access device of the medication dispenser 100 to the appropriatedose selected.

In the event a match is not found in the comparison step, software 152can further include code for alerting a caregiver, such as, for example,a nurse or nurse practitioner, over network 210. For example, a computerat a remote location, such as a nursing station, may also be connectedto network 210, such that software 152, finding no match in database 156for the symptoms provided by the user, can send an alert over network210 to the remote computer with information about the patient and theindicated symptom, either so that an authorized caregiver at the remotelocation can remotely indicate which of the medications stored incabinet 120 is appropriate given the input (and thereby direct software152 to provide access to the medication through access device 130), orso that a caregiver can respond by coming to the point of care toadminister an appropriate medication or obtain further information fromthe user of medication dispenser 100. In one aspect of the presentinvention, even if a match is found in the comparison step, software 152may still provide an alert to a remote caregiver, such as, for example,a nurse at a nurses' station, in which the described symptom andselected medication and dose are provided for the nurse's review andauthorization.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, software 152 may alsoprovide a mechanism for allowing a remote caregiver to override aselection made by software 152. In such an embodiment, a remotecaregiver may be alerted over network 210 to the selection made bysoftware 152. Prior to dispensing the selected dose, the software 152may allow a predetermined time period to elapse, in which the remotecaregiver can instruct medication dispenser 100 to refrain fromdispensing the selected medication, and to dispense a differentmedication. Alternatively, instead of a predetermined time period, someselected medications may require an affirmative approval from acaregiver. In such an instance, software 152 may alert a remotercaregiver to the selection, and wait for approval to be provided beforedispensing the selected medication.

Software 152 further includes code for maintaining a record of thetransactions which occur at medication dispenser 100. For example, eachtime a user provides user input, the user input is logged in thetransaction record 154. Each time a medication is selected and/ordispensed, the selection and/or dispensing of the medication is likewiselogged in the transaction record 154. In this manner, caregivers canaccess a detailed log including a patient's symptoms, medication doses,etc. This log may be accessed locally, when a caregiver or otherauthorized user interacts with the electronic interface 110, orremotely, when a caregiver or other authorized user interacts withmedication dispenser 100 over network 210. Accordingly, software 152also includes code for allowing access to the transaction record byauthorized users, who may authenticate with a password, keycard, orother authentication method known to those of skill in the art.

In addition to a list of pre-approved doses of pre-approved medications,database 156 also includes information about the stocking levels ofmedications available in cabinet 120, in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention. For example, when a dose of a medication isdispensed, software 152 may update database 156 to reduce the availabledoses of the medication dispensed by the amount dispensed. In thismanner, inventory control is made more convenient. Software 152 mayinclude code for allowing authorized users to locally (using electronicinterface 110) or remotely (over network 210) check the stock level of agiven medication, and may further include code for providing alerts whena medication stock level reaches a predetermined level.

According to one aspect, software 152 also includes code for allowingauthorized users to modify database 156. For example, a caregiver suchas, for example, an attending doctor or a pharmacist may wish to add orremove a medication from the list of pre-approved medications for apatient associated with medication dispenser 100. Accordingly, software152 provides an authentication method for allowing the caregiver toaccess database 156 and to edit it using electronic interface 110.

In one embodiment of the present invention, database 156 is stored notin memory 150, but remotely from medication dispenser 100, and isaccessed by software 152 over network 210. In this manner, a centralizeddatabase may be kept in, for example, a hospital server, and maintainedby a central authority, while multiple individual medication dispenserscan access the database to get up-to-date information about authorizeddoses of authorized medications for associated patients.

In embodiments where tracking of items is included, software 152 allowsthe needed item to be retrieved and recorded on-screen. This mode ofinteraction works best for caregivers with a clear mental picture ofwhere items are in the cabinet 120, or who can quickly recognize an itemon sight. This mode also allows items to be accessed and recorded whilethe software 152 is in mid-operation on another task. In anotherembodiment, the display device 112 provides a screen interface for eachdrawer in the cabinet 120. This interface may illustrate any and all theitems and their locations in drawer sections. This may be showngraphically with pictures or a list of items and their locations. Thismay help the caregiver to intuitively direct their attention to relevantitems. If the caregiver takes nothing from the drawer, the on screenmenu for that drawer will persist (even if the drawer has been shutagain) until the caregiver presses the “none taken” button or goes tothe next screen if another drawer is opened. If the caregiver has takenitem(s) and has recorded what the caregiver has taken on the touchscreen, the menu will disappear when the caregiver shuts the drawer. Inanother embodiment, an “out of stock” button can be provided beside eachitem button to inform restockers about items that need more urgentattention—for example, a nurse needed a particular item but the item wasnot there. In yet another embodiment, a “dispatch” button could beprovided to get a restocker to come to the room immediately with arefill.

In certain embodiments, the memory 150 further includes a BedsideInformation Gateway™ (BIG). BIG is an application-independent systemthat allows easy and efficient access to mission-critical applicationsdirectly from the medication dispenser 100. It makes it possible formedical staff to leverage applications throughout the facilityregardless of the technology (Web or Windows) used for theseapplications. BIG makes it possible for physicians and nurses to accessquickly and easily a wide variety of medical applications andinformation, therefore shortening the time it takes the caregiver tomake rounds. Whether used to consult a patient file, accesslaboratory/radiology results or prescriptive applications, themedication dispenser 100 simply acts as a window on the applicationsinside the hospital mainframe, such as by using the network 210.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for dispensing medicationin accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Theprocess begins with step 401, in which a medication dispenser is locatedat a point-of-care. The medication dispenser includes a securablecontainer configured to store one or more doses of one or moremedications, an access device configured to selectably permit access tothe one or more doses of the one or more medications, and an electronicinterface configured to acquire user input from a user. In step 402,user input is acquired from a user at the point-of-care. The user may bea patient, a caregiver, or any other authorized personnel. In step 403,the user input is compared to a database containing information aboutpre-approved doses of pre-approved medications contained within thesecurable container. In step 404, an appropriate dose corresponding tothe user input is selected, responsive to the comparison, from the oneor more doses in the securable container. In step 405, access to theselected appropriate dose is permitted through the access device in themedication dispenser, such as by, for example, an opening door, drawer,tray or cup.

While the present invention has been particularly described withreference to the various figures and embodiments, it should beunderstood that these are for illustration purposes only and should notbe taken as limiting the scope of the invention. There may be many otherways to implement the invention. Many changes and modifications may bemade to the invention, by one having ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A medication dispenser, comprising: a securable container configured to store one or more doses of a medication; an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses of the medication; an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user; and a processor configured to perform the steps of: selecting, based on the user input, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose when an authorized user has approved the appropriate dose.
 2. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the medication is a non-prescription medication.
 3. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the electronic interface comprises a touch screen.
 4. The medication dispenser of claim 1 wherein the user is a patient.
 5. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the user input comprises information about a plurality of patient symptoms.
 6. The medication dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a memory having a database comprising information about approved medications for a patient.
 7. The medication dispenser of claim 6, wherein the database comprises information correlating a plurality of patient symptoms to the medication.
 8. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the appropriate dose corresponds to a symptom described by the user input.
 9. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the permitting access comprises providing an alert to a health care provider and permitting access through the access device to the health care provider.
 10. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the permitting access comprises permitting access through the access device to the user.
 11. The medication dispenser of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to keep a record of dispensed medications.
 12. A method for dispensing medication, the method comprising the steps of: locating a medication dispenser at a point-of-care, the medication dispenser comprising: a securable container configured to store one or more doses of a medication; an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses of the medication; and an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user; acquiring user input from the user at the point-of-care; selecting, based on the user input, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose when an authorized user has approved the appropriate dose.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the medication dispenser further comprises a processor, and wherein the selecting is performed by the processor.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the medication is a non-prescription medication.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic interface comprises a touch screen.
 16. The method of claim 2, wherein the user is a patient.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the user input comprises information about a plurality of patient symptoms.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the selecting the appropriate dose comprises comparing the user input with a database including information about approved medications for a patient.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the database comprises information correlating a plurality of patient symptoms to the medication.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the appropriate dose corresponds to a symptom described by the user input.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein the permitting access comprises providing an alert to a health care provider and permitting access through the access device to the health care provider.
 22. The method of claim 12, wherein the permitting access comprises permitting access through the access device to the user.
 23. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: keeping a record of dispensed medications.
 24. A point-of-care medication dispenser, comprising: securable means for storing one or more doses of a medication; means for selectably permitting access to the one or more doses of the medication; electronic interface means for acquiring user input from a user; and processing means for performing the steps of: selecting, based on the user input, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access to the appropriate dose when an authorized user has approved the appropriate dose. 